”A lack of competent leadership is a real problem for Malaysia,” Mr Kausikan said, citing the need for Najib Razak – now Malaysia’s Prime Minister – to ”prevail politically in order to avoid prosecution” in connection with a 2006 murder investigation linked to one of Mr Razak’s aides.

”Najib Razak has his neck on the line in connection with a high-profile murder case,” Mr Kausikan said.